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From: heintze@fmcsse.enet.dec.com (Siegfried Heintze)
Newsgroups: comp.lang.c++
Subject: C++ to C translator VS C++ compiler
Keywords: C++ translator, comparison, C++ Compiler
Message-ID: <16435@shlump.nac.dec.com>
Date: 17 Oct 90 16:10:25 GMT
Sender: newsdaemon@shlump.nac.dec.com
Reply-To: heintze@fmcsse.enet.dec.com (Siegfried Heintze)
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Lines: 46

At this time it appears that C++ will be our implementation language for 
a product that must run on several UNIX(tm) flavored platforms in a addition
to  VMS.

We have also decided that VMS is going to be our development platform.

Since all the target platforms are not clearly defined at this time, it appears
wise to purchase a C++ to C translator.

(1)  Should we plan on using a C++ to C translator for our development on VMS?
     Some people are promoting this and I argue this is a bad idea because

       (a)  The generated C code is unreadable (is this true for all C++ to C
translators?).
       (b)  Using the VMS debugger on this criptic C code will significantly
            decrease our productivity.

     Therefor I promote the notion that we need to purchase (or otherwise
legally
     aquire) a C++ compiler and a C++ to C translator.  I propose we only use
     the C++ to C translator as a porting tool.

     I would like to solicit comments from people who have actually used
     various C++ to C translators for developement of real products.  Is it
     feasible to use a translator or are we justified in 
     purchasing a C++ compiler?

(2)  Assuming we decide to purchase a C++ compiler from a third party:
     Since there are several vendors who offer C++ compilers, I propose we 
     make a chart with the vendors on the top horizontal axis and the
     possible attributes (ie the pros and cons) for each compiler on the
vertical
     axis (like Byte Magazine does when it evaluates elements of a class of 
     products). 

     Please list what entries (ie, rows) you think we should have on this chart.
An example 
     might be:   "does vendor supply debugger" or "Price".   And if you know the
answers for some
     certain vendors, please include this information also. 

(3)  Same as (2) for C++ to C translator.


                                               Sieg